Brandeis University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
Brandeis University, founded in 1948 in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a research-intensive university rooted in Jewish values and committed to social justice. Named after Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, the university's 235-acre campus features modern facilities like the $50 million Shapiro Science Center and the Rose Art Museum. Brandeis excels in neuroscience, international studies, and creative arts, with particular strengths in Jewish and Middle Eastern studies. The university's 10:1 student-faculty ratio supports close collaboration, with 70% of undergraduates engaging in research. Brandeis's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its diverse community and need-blind admission policy. Recent initiatives include the $1 billion Brandeis Blueprint campaign, enhancing financial aid, faculty resources, and campus facilities while maintaining the university's distinctive combination of rigorous scholarship and ethical engagement.
Brandeis University Acceptance Rate
Brandeis University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Brandeis University is 35.3%. This means that 35 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Brandeis University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Brandeis University is 3.84. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A's in all courses.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 4.04-4.24 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.54 and 3.84, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Brandeis University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Brandeis University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.84, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Brandeis University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Brandeis University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Brandeis University's verified institutional data
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Brandeis University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Brandeis University Without SAT or ACT?
Brandeis University Average SAT Score: 1473
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Brandeis University is 1473 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1473 on the SAT.
If your score is below 1390, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Brandeis University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 740 | 700 | 780 |
| SAT Reading | 720 | 690 | 750 |
| SAT Composite | 1473 | 1390 | 1530 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1390 then you are below most of the admitted students at Brandeis University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1530 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1450
Can I get into Brandeis University with a 1550 SAT?
With a 1550 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Brandeis University are good but the admission staff at Brandeis University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Brandeis University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Brandeis University is 33.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes Brandeis University very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 33 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 31 | 28 | 34 |
| ACT English | 34 | 32 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 33 | 31 | 34 |
Can I get into Brandeis University with a 34 ACT?
A 34 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Brandeis University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Brandeis University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Brandeis University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Brandeis University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 34 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Brandeis University
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Brandeis University, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Brandeis University Profile
Is a Brandeis University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Brandeis University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Brandeis University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Brandeis University is $85,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3%.
How much does a degree from Brandeis University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Brandeis University is $82,123. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Brandeis University is much less than this.
14.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 28.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Brandeis University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Brandeis University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Brandeis University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Brandeis University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $77,231. An average Brandeis University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Brandeis University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 1433 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
| Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | 1443 | 32 |
| Bates College | Lewiston, ME | 1446 | 32 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | 1463 | 34 |
| Babson College | Wellesley, MA | 1435 | 32 |
| Hillsdale College | Hillsdale, MI | 1433 | 32 |
| Macalester College | Saint Paul, MN | 1424 | 32 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Brandeis University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | 1463 | 34 |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | 1473 | 33 |
| Smith College | Northampton, MA | 1480 | 33 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Brandeis University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claremont McKenna College | Claremont, CA | 1514 | 34 |
| Harvey Mudd College | Claremont, CA | 1537 | 35 |
| Pomona College | Claremont, CA | 1520 | 34 |
| Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | 1513 | 34 |
| Yale University | New Haven, CT | 1534 | 34 |
Degree Programs at Brandeis University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Brandeis University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Brandeis University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $77,231 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $82,123 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
14.4% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Brandeis University is 35.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.84. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.54, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.54, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.44 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.84, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Brandeis University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1473 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1390–1530.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
